Today is the day for you to make sure you are registered to vote before the midterm elections in Texas.
Oct. 5 is the last day for Texans to register to vote ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm election, which includes a U.S. Senate race that recent polls show is growing increasingly competitive.
The ballot also includes statewide races, including the governor's race, and local races that are set to shape the state's future.
Here's what to know about voter registration and the upcoming elections.
How do I know if I'm registered to vote
Texas voters can use the secretary of state's voter registration lookup at VoteTexas.gov to check their registration status and confirm their address is correct.
If you need to update your registration, do so through the VoteTexas portal.
What does voter suspense list status mean?
A voter is placed on the
suspense list when their county cannot confirm their current address. This can happen if election mail is returned as undeliverable or if election officials receive information indicating the voter may have moved.
Voters who still live in the same county can cast a regular ballot after completing a statement of residence. Voters who have moved to another county may be required to vote in their previous county or cast a provisional ballot.
Texas voter registration requirements
In Texas, you must meet the following requirements to vote:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be a resident of the county where you submit the application.
- Be at least 17 years and 10 months old on the date your voter registration application is submitted, and be 18 years of age on Election Day.
- Not a convicted felon.
- Have not been declared by a court exercising probate jurisdiction to be either totally mentally incapacitated or partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote.
How to register to vote in Texas
Whether you just turned 18 or just moved to Texas, here is how to register to vote:
- Complete a voter registration application and return it to your county election office at least 30 days before the election. You can do so through:
- The Secretary of State Online Voter Registration Application. Fill in the required information, print, sign and mail the completed application directly to your county election office.
- Request a printed application through the Secretary of State.
- Contact or visit your local voter registrar to complete the voter registration process.
Texans can also update their voter registration online when renewing, replacing or changing their contact information for their Texas driver's license or state identification card through the Texas Department of Public Safety.
When is the last day to register to vote?
Here's a look at key important dates ahead of Election Day:
- Last day to register to vote in Texas: Oct. 5.
- Mail ballot application deadline: Oct. 23.
- Early voting: Oct. 19 to 30.
- Election Day: Nov. 3.
What elections are coming up in November 2026
Numerous offices are on the ballot this November, from a U.S. Senate seat to local elections.
Here's a look at what statewide offices are on the ballot:
- U.S. Senate: Ken Paxton (R) vs. James Talarico (D).
- Governor: Greg Abbott (R) vs. Gina Hinojosa (D).
- Lieutenant Governor: Dan Patrick (R) vs. Vikki Goodwin (D).
- Attorney General: Mayes Middleton (R) vs. Nathan Johnson (D).
- Comptroller of Public Accounts: Don Huffines (R) vs. Sarah Eckhardt (D).
- Commissioner of the General Land Office: Dawn Buckingham (R) vs. Benjamin Flores (D).
- Commissioner of Agriculture: Nate Sheets (R) vs. Clayton Tucker (D).
- Railroad Commissioner: Bo French (R) vs. Jon Rosenthal (D).
Additionally, all 38 Texas U.S. House seats are on the ballot. Check with your local election offices for a sample ballot and to see what local elections are happening.
Mateo Rosiles is the Texas Connect reporter for USA TODAY and its regional papers in Texas, based in Austin. Got a news tip for him? Email him at mrosiles@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas' voter registration deadline is today. Check your status now
